Running and elliptical. How soon can I resume these activities?

The challenge of doing breast lifts with implants is to keep the implant up high. Dropping of the implant and breast tissue can occur too soon in my experience, so I try and get patients to limit impact type exercises for 3 months or so. That indcludes running, boot camp, etc.  Stairmaster, elliptical, treadmill and spin are all low impact and may be good substitutes while you heal.

Every surgeon has their own protocol.  I am sure you don't need to be told to check with your surgeon to see what their protocol is or you would not be posing this question to a forum of doctors with widely differing opinions.  The value in this type of forum is that you can check your surgeon's protocol against the answers to get some perspective.  I do not let my patients do anything that would resemble exercise for 4 weeks.  At that point they start low impact cardio.  At 2 months they are allowed to increase their level of physical activity.  At any time, swelling or pain requires that you back off of the intensity.

In regards to #cardio workouts, its best you do not begin light aerobic #exercise for 3 weeks and strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks, following your #BreastSurgery. Let your body tell you what it can tolerate. You make take gentle walks within a few days following your #surgery. Light #activity may be started 7-10 days after surgery. If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain.It is always recommended to call and see your surgeon to discuss your #healing concerns.

I would speak with your surgeon since everyone has his or her own post-op protocol, but I advise my patients to wait at least 4 weeks before returning to vigorous exercise. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give to my patients:
1) No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
2) Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)
3) At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph
4) At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph
5) At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph
6) At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph
7) At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it.

Thank you for your question.  I tell my patients that they can resume exercise at the six week post-op mark.  However, I also tell them that they should be careful to listen to their bodies as to not do anything that can cause pain or discomfort.  Please be sure to discuss this with your operating surgeon as the post-op care and instructions tends to differ from surgeon to surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thanks for your question!I'm sure if you asked ten surgeons this questions, you might possibly get anywhere form 5-10 different answers.  Prior to 4 weeks, I ask patients to walk as much as they want but refrain from anything more.  Aerobic exercise that does not involve significant impact or straining such as low level elliptical training would be acceptable at 4 weeks.  I think most surgeons would agree however that any high impact or high intensity exercises such as distance running or weight-lifting should be avoided for a minimum of 6 and in some cases closer to 8 weeks postoperatively. Given that implants typically settle by 3 months, some surgeons might even suggest waiting out to 12 weeks before these higher stress activities.Obviously the best course of action is to follow the guidance of your surgeon.  Hope you find this helpful!

Thank you very much for this interesting enquire.Postoperative care after a Breast Augmentation are very important to get the best results.Generally speaking, the average Breast Augmentation patients, exercises tend to allow two weeks after PO, gradually: first, gentle walks without sweating, then, you can go to the gym to do aerobics, and, after four months you can stats with machines excercise and start with light weights, and, if there are no problems, only six months after PO may charge "free weights".Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Good morning!Every surgeon has his/her ideas about what is a good time to resume strenuous exercise- my number with a breast lift is general about 6 weeks.  At six weeks your incision  has essentially reached its maximal strength- it is almost a linear progression for over a year after this point.  The key in my practice is to wear a tight sports bra- you may even need two.  Jiggle is not your friend while exercising if you want to maintain shape. The right answer is to ask your surgeon to be sure you a re following their postoperative protocool- only he/she know exactly what they did and can give you the best advice for returning to exercise.I hope this helps

Running results in a lot of strain on the breasts. I allow a very gradual resumption of fitness activities as soon as 4 weeks after this type of surgery, provided you are completely healed. And it doesn't mean that you get to go for a 3 mile jog at this time. It means that a patient should start very slow and gradually work up to what is normal for them. If there is any discomfort or swelling, it is important to wait another week, and try again when your body is ready. It is also important to wear a good bra. Because all plastic surgeons are slightly different with respect to our post-op care, I would discuss with your plastic surgeon and go by what he or she recommends.